Daniel 1:8 NKJV:
But Daniel purposed in his heart…
Matthew 26:53-54 NLT
Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?”
When Daniel “purposed in his heart,” he was saying, “This is what I can do. This is what I can’t do.” Jesus further clarifies for us as we continue applying conviction-established boundaries.
In Matthew 26, Peter drew a sword in the garden to try and relieve the immediate pressure of God’s purpose in Jesus being arrested. To summarize, Jesus replies, “Don’t you know I could have legions of angels come now to My rescue? I could call them…but I can’t. If I did, how would the prophecies and purpose for My life be fulfilled?”
Sometime this year, you are going to be faced with a temptation to act in a way that violates what you “purposed in your heart” to do in yesterday’s devotional. You’ll have the capacity to act, and no one will know if you do… but you’ll resist. Something inside is going to restrain you.
You can be dishonest…but you cannot.
You can be unfaithful, lustful, and commit adultery…but you cannot.
You can withhold your tithes…but you cannot.
You can say enough is enough and call it quits…but you cannot.
You can be bitter because of injustice and filled with self-pity…but you cannot.
And you cannot because… how will the prophecies and promises over your life be fulfilled if you do? How can God’s plan for your life be fulfilled if you do?
God’s prophecies and promises to you may pass through a garden of great pressure, even a cross of crucifixion, but God is faithful to His word. You can quit…but you really can’t! Betrayal is not the end! Injustice is not the end! Death to a hope or dream is not the end!
Daniel and Jesus faced all of these temptations and remained faithful to what they purposed in their hearts. Grace is helping. The Holy Spirit is helping. God is faithful! You can and will resist the temptation to compromise. God’s word over your life is worthy of your endurance.
Prayer:
My Heavenly Father, I know Your promises are “Yes and amen” to me. I know I am called to walk worthy of the call on my life. I ask You to baptize me afresh in Your spirit and fill me with overcoming power. I purpose in my heart to obey You, resist the devil, and fulfill my calling, in Jesus’ name. Amen!